A POPULAR secondary school has failed to have its 'requires improvement' tag lifted by the education watchdog.

Harper Green School in Farnworth has once again been found to need improvement after a visit by Ofsted – which first issued the judgement in October 2013.

But inspectors did find that 'standards are now rising after a period of decline' and the school’s work in the personal development, behaviour and welfare of pupils was again marked as good.

Executive headteacher, Paul Roach, was drafted in from neighbouring Mount St Joseph in January to help improve the situation at the school.

The Ofsted report, which stated children were proud of their school, said: “The executive headteacher has articulated a vision and created a culture for promoting outstanding provision for all students. He has been successful in ensuring all teachers are now working towards this.

“As a result, the progress for most students is beginning to improve.

“This includes disabled students and those who have special educational needs, and disadvantaged students.”

Effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, outcomes for pupils were all said to require improvement.

Inspectors said that standards in English needed to be raised but added that pupils achieved well in science and religious studies.

Mr Roach said: "The school continues to make rapid and sustained progress. This is through the hard work of the students, parents and staff of the school. We continue to work tirelessly with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes for all our students. We were very pleased in the way the inspection was conducted and the inspection team provided us with excellent feedback, highlighting the many strengths of the school."

Michelle Jefferies, director of resources at the school, added: "We are very pleased that the inspection team recognised the outstanding relationships between students and our promotion of students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The good grading for personal development, welfare and behaviour demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing good, well rounded citizens.

"The exceptional leadership of the executive headteacher and senior leaders confirms the schools ability and determination to raise achievement for all students."